Beam Instrumentation Applied Physicist or Engineer (SY-BI-PM-2025-42-LD)

Company Description

At CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe. Using the world’s largest and most complex scientific instruments, they study the basic constituents of matter – fundamental particles that are made to collide together at close to the speed of light. The process gives physicists clues about how particles interact, and provides insights into the fundamental laws of nature. Find out more on http://home.cern.

Job Description

Introduction

Are you ready to push the boundaries of particle physics and contribute to groundbreaking research? Join CERN to contribute to the AWAKE experiment, the world’s first proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration project, and help shape the future of particle accelerators.?

Within the Accelerator Systems Department, the Beam Instrumentation Group (SY-BI) is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining instruments that allow observation of particle beams and measurement of related parameters for all CERN accelerators, transfer lines, and secondary beam lines. This includes AWAKE, CERN’s pioneering proton-driven plasma wakefield acceleration experiment. AWAKE uses proton beams from the Super Proton Synchrotron to create strong wakefields in a plasma cell and accelerate a witness electron beam. The second phase of AWAKE (Run 2) aims to demonstrate multi-GeV electron acceleration while maintaining beam quality and scalability.

Functions

You will:

• Coordinate all Beam Instrumentation activities within the Group and serve as the BI coordinator for the AWAKE collaboration during Run 2, facilitating communication and aligning efforts between BI Group and AWAKE teams;
• Ensure all Beam Instrumentation systems are operational;
• Contribute to the design and implementation of new beam imaging systems through analysis and simulations;
• Lead R&D studies for for sub-picosecond bunch length measurements, collaborating with partner institutes;
• Supervise undergraduate and graduate students.

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent relevant experience in the field of applied physics or engineering or a related field.

Experience:

Required experience:

• In the domain of particle interaction with matter, general beam instrumentation methodologies and associated control / DAQ systems;
• Simulation, design and development of optical systems, preferably related to beam size and position measurements.

Desired experience:

• Use of laboratory instruments like oscilloscopes, multimeters, network analyzers;
• Basic knowledge of Accelerator Physics and Accelerator Technologies.

Technical competencies:

• Organisation, planning and control: including supervision of work;
• Design and test of particle beam instrumentation;
• Operation and/or support of experimental facilities.

Behavioural competencies:

• Working in teams: building and maintaining constructive and effective work relationships.
• Communicating effectively: ensuring that information, procedures and decisions are appropriately documented.
• Achieving results: delivering high quality work on time and fulfilling expectations.
• Managing self: working well autonomously; taking on activities and tasks without prompting.
• Demonstrating flexibility: adapting quickly and resourcefully to shifting priorities and requirements.

Language skills:

Fluency in English is required, the ability to work in French would be an advantage.

Additional Information

Eligibility and closing date:

Diversity has been an integral part of CERN’s mission since its foundation and is an established value of the Organization. Employing a diverse workforce is central to our success.

This vacancy will be filled as soon as possible, and applications should normally reach us no later than April 15, 2025 at 23:59 CET.

Employment Conditions

Contract type: Limited duration contract (5 years). Subject to certain conditions, holders of limited-duration contracts may apply for an indefinite position.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week

This position involves:

• Work in Radiation Areas.
• Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays.
• A valid driving licence.

Job grade: 6-7

Job reference: SY-BI-PM-2025-42-LD

Benchmark Job Title: Applied Physicist